E. coli Vaccine:Food safety Possibilities

Written by Heather Goulding Bidemi Lameed

6th December, 2012

E. coli VaccineIntroduction

E. coli 0157:H7 has been responsible for numerous cases of foodborne illness across

Canada. In 2000, 7 people died and 2,500 became ill when cattle manure containing E.

coli leached into the water supply well in Walkerton, Ontario. (1) Most recently, there

was the identification of E. coil 0157:H7 in beef products from XL Foods Inc., where 18

people across Canada became sick. (2) Industries are constantly striving to improve food

safety controls to reduce the presence of E. coli 0157:H7 and other pathogenic bacteria

that are present in our food supply chain. In 2008, a vaccine was approved in Canada,

which reduces the shedding of E. coil 0157:H7 from cattle. (3) The goal of this paper is

to look at E. coli 0157:H7 in cattle, the functions of this E. coli vaccine and the

controversy around its use as one additional step to a sound food safety program.

The Problem

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria naturally found in the digestive track of

many animals including humans. There are many different types of E. coli, most are

harmless but others can cause severe illness. The strain of E. coli responsible for the

majority of outbreaks across Canada is E. coli 0157:H7. In 2011, 482 cases of E. coli

0157:H7 were reported to Canada’s National Enteric Surveillance Program. (4)

E. coli 0157:H7 is a part of the group of Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); known for

producing verotoxin or Shiga toxin (Stx). (5) Symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7 toxins in

humans include: cramps, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and hemorrhagic colitis (HC) or

bloody diarrhea. In some severe cases it may lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

(HUS). HUS often affects young children, the elderly or people with weakened immune

systems. Toxins produced from EHEC start to affect the red blood cells, kidneys and can

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E. coli Vaccineeventually affect the brain or even lead to permanent kidney damage. In Canada

approximately 5-10 percent of people who get sick from E. coli 0157:H7 will develop

HUS. This rate increases to 15 percent for young children and the elderly. (4)

E. coli 0157:H7 is spread to humans through the consumption of contaminated food,

beverages or water, by contact with someone who is currently sick, or by contact with

animals who are carriers. (4) E. coli in manure can travel into our water systems and

crops can be contaminated through the use of improperly composted manure, or by

contaminated water. Meat can become contaminated during the butchering of cattle.

Visiting farms or petting zoos and touching animals or contaminated clothing or shoes

can also spread E. coli. (4, 6, 7)

Cattle raised for food on feedlots are often carriers of E. coli 0157:H7; it is present in

their digestive systems and is shed into the environment. (8) The toxins produced by E.

coli 0157:H7 do not affect adult cattle and therefore have no effect on their health. (9)

Manure containing E. coli 0157:H7 can leach into waterways and can be used as fertilizer

that can lead to crop contamination. (7) But most importantly it can be found not only in

the intestines of the animals but also on their hides. When animals are sent to slaughter

E. coli 0157:H7 from the animal can end up on the meat sold to consumers. (6) There are

many protective food safety measures in place to prevent this from happening, however

there are still cases where E. coli 0157:H7 is found in the finished product. The beef

industry and government are constantly looking to improve food safety measures to

prevent cases like this from happening. (7,10)

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E. coli VaccineThe Vaccine

Originally started by Graeme McRae in 1979 as Vetrepharm, to develop medicines and

vaccines for animal health, Mr. McRae merged his companies in 1999 to create Bioniche

Life Sciences Incorporated. This company focuses on three main areas of

biopharmaceutical development, which are Human Health, Animal Health and Food

Safety. Headquarters is based out of Belleville Ontario, with manufacturing and

marketing/sales divisions in Canada, US and Australia. (11)

The Food Safety division of Bioniche Life Science Inc. in conjunction with the Alberta

Research Council, the University of British Columbia, and the University of

Saskatchewan Vaccine Infectious Disease Organization developed a vaccine called

EconicheTM for the reduction of fecal shedding of E. coli 0157:H7 in cattle. (3,11) As part

of a food safety approach, the vaccine could be one of several implemented safeguards

contributing to the reduction in the incidents of contamination in meat products.

EconicheTM works by preventing the colonization of E. coli 0157:H7 in the intestinal

track of cattle, thereby reducing the ability of the bacterium to replicate and reducing the

amount of E. coli shed into the environment. (12) Specifically, when E. coli 0157:H7

contacts mucosal epithelial cells in the intestine, it sends type III secreted proteins

(including Tir and Esps) into the cell through a translocation tube. A pedestal formation

at the site of the bacterial attachment takes place; intimin binds to Tir and causes

immediate attachment. (13-15) The EconicheTM vaccine immunizes the cattle against

proteins found on the surface of the E. coli 0157:H7 cells, which are used as a receptor to

attach to the surface of the intestinal wall. The vaccine contains type III secreted proteins

of E. coli 0157:H7 as an antigen, causing the cattle to develop antibodies. (13,15)

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E. coli Vaccine

There have been many clinical trials performed to demonstrate the efficacy of the

vaccine. The key results as taken from Bioniche Life Science Inc. brochure Technical

Information: EconicheTM (12) are as follows:

the vaccine causes a reduction in the duration of fecal shedding and the number of

cattle that shed E. coli 0157:H7

Simulation models indicate that a reduction of 65% of fecal shedding could turn

high summer prevalence into a low winter like prevalence pattern of E. coli

0157:H7

The vaccine reduces colorectal colonization by more than 90%.

The EconicheTM vaccine was approved Oct 4, 2008 by Health Canada and is currently

being used by a number of small companies. (16) In the US EconicheTM received noticed

of eligibility for a conditional license, but due to the significant additional requirements

requested by the USDA, Bioniche Life Science Inc. has decided to focus on a critical

path with the USDA for a full license. The UK has approved importation under

conditions of a Special Treatment Certificate and Australia has so far granted an import

permit. Bioniche Life Science Inc. is pursuing full regulatory approval in both countries.

(3)

Advantages

The primary advantage of EconicheTM is to reduce the fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7

in vaccinated cattle. Clinical studies have demonstrated that there is a 65% reduction in

bacteria shed in the feces and a 71% reduction in the proportion of animals shedding.

(12,17) It was determined that three doses given 21 days apart were numerically most

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E. coli Vaccineeffective. (12) Vaccination of cattle within a feedlot provides significant protection

against hide contamination and enhances herd immunity (a decrease in the level of E. coli

0157:H7 in unvaccinated cattle in pens with vaccinated animals). (17-19) Due to its

effectiveness the vaccine has the potential to improve food and environmental safety by

reducing the probability that live cattle will shed the organism. (18)

Vaccination of cattle could help reduce the number of cases of E coli outbreaks thereby

build more confidence in the safety of meat products. (17,20) In addition to instilling

public confidence in food safety, there is also the potential cost benefit. The cost of

vaccinating all cattle in Canada is approximately $50 million; however the current yearly

health care treatment cost for human E. coli O157:H7 illness is over $200 million

(excluding deaths). (17) According to Brett Findlay ‘’This does not include the large

commercial expenses associated with beef recalls, food inspections and the negative

international press associated with O157 recalls and outbreaks’’. (17)

Disadvantages

For farmers there is a high cost; the vaccine costs $9 per animal ($3 per dose, and it

requires three doses per animal). Farmers have no incentive to vaccinate their cattle

because there is no direct cost benefit for them, as E. coli 0157:H7 does not affect the

cattle themselves. They also have no financial incentive to utilize the vaccine, as there is

currently no direct way of recouping this expense (21).

There is also a labour cost associated with the handling of animals, which results in

incremental costs of production; this is due to segregating the vaccinated cattle into a new

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E. coli Vaccinesection of the feedlot. (10,22) Some suggest that the labour cost could be as much as

three times cost of the vaccine. (22)

Several associations have also expressed concerns with the vaccine. The Canadian

Cattlemen’s Association and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture have concerns with

the success rates and the logistics of administering three separate vaccinations. There

have also been concerns raised that more research is needed on the safety of meat for

human consumption. (10,20)

In addition to concerns with the vaccination itself, there are several types of other

pathogens that the vaccine does not address such as Salmonella, Listeria and other

serotypes of E. coli. (6,22). It is also possible that the public, knowing that cattle are

vaccinated against E. coli, could become complacent in their food safety efforts at home.

Recommendations

The use of anti-microbial special solutions or hot water to wash cattle hides after the

animals are killed is presently in practice. (6,23) Other interventions, such as radiation

have also been found to be more effective. The Canadian Cattle Association “…has been

pushing Ottawa to approve the method for more than a decade and it’s in use in the

United States. Health Canada cites significant public concern in its decision not to allow

the process on meat but has approved it for flour, spices, onions and potatoes.” (21)

Further studies will also be needed to detect the impact of this vaccine on the quality of

meat and human health, which can ease some of the industry concerns. Studies are

ongoing to test the performance of this vaccine against other E. coli serotypes (12) and it

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E. coli Vaccinewould be beneficial to explore its ability to work against other bacteria.

Public training should be organized to educate Canadians on the importance of proper

handling of raw meat and the safe cooking temperatures to ensure food safety. (20)

Conclusion

There is still more research to be done on the vaccine, however we feel implementation

makes strong economic sense, as well as providing an additional step for good food

safety practices. The vaccine could help avoid future recalls, possibly saving the

government millions of dollars from health care costs per year. Government should

collaborate with the large-scale farmers and provide subsidy on the cost of the E. coli

0157:H7 vaccine as a means of enhancing public safety. If the government does nothing,

farmers may need to bear the cost of vaccination to assist in the prevention of meat

recalls which will eventually lead to economic cost to the beef industry. Consumers as

well, will need to be ready and willing to pay for the increase in the cost of vaccinated

meat, to ensure their safety.

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E. coli VaccineReferences:

1. Water quality and Health Council [homepage on the Internet]. [place unknown]: Water Quality and Health Council; c. 2012 [date unknown; cited 2012 Nov 26]. Walkerton Five years after – Lessons learned in the aftermath of Canada’s worst E.coli contamination. Available from: http://www.waterandhealth.org/drinkingwater/fiveyears.html

2. Public Health Agency of Canada. [homepage on the Internet]. Ottawa: Government of Canada; [updated 2012, Nov 14; cited 2012, Nov 26]. Public Health Notice: E. coli 0157 illness related to beef. Available from: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fs-sa/phn-asp/ecoli-1012-eng.php

3. Bioniche Life Sciences Incorporated. [homepage on the Internet]. [unknown location]: Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. c2004 [date unknown : cited 2012, Oct 5]. Econiche Backgrounder [pdf]. Available from: http://bioniche.com/pdf/e.coli_vaccine_bg_final_10.12.pdf

4. Public Health Agency of Canada. [homepage on the Internet]. Ottawa: Government of Canada; [updated 2012, Oct 2; cited 2012, Nov 23]. Fact Sheet E. coli. Available from: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fs-sa/fs-fi/ecoli-eng.php

5. Todar, K. Todar’s Online Textbook of Bacteriology. [homepage on the Internet]. Wisconsin: [publisher unknown]; c.2008-2012 [date unknown; cited 2012, Nov 23]. Pathogenic E. coli. Page 4. Available from: http://www.textbookofbacteriology.net/e.coli_4.html

6. Beef Cattle Research Council. [homepage on the Internet]. [location unknown]: Beef Cattle Research Council; c. 2012 [updated 2012, Oct 29: cited 2012, Nov 16]. Topic: E. coli. Available from: http://www.beefresearch.ca/research-topic.cfm?topicId=10

7. Health Canada [homepage on the Internet]. Ottawa: Government of Canada; [updated 2012, Oct 10: cited 2012, Nov 16]. Food and Nutrition: E. coli. Available from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/ill-intox/ecoli-eng.php

8. Khaitsa M.L., Smith D.R., Stoner J.A., Parkhurst A.M., Hinkley S., Klopfenstein T.J. Incidence, Duration, and Prevalence of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Fecal Shedding by Feedlot Cattle during the Finishing Period. Journal of Food Protection. 2003; 66(11): 1972-7.

9. Bioniche Life Sciences Incorporated. [homepage on the Internet]. [unknown location]: Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. c2004 [2011, April 29 : cited 2012, Oct 5]. Newsroom – Animal Health News – Animal Health and Food Safety Vaccine Manufacturing Centre Officially Opens in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Available from: http://www.bioniche.com/news_item.cfm?id=2262

10. Teel G., French M. Interventions to reduce and manage E.coli 0157:H7. Action News

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E. coli VaccineCanadian Cattlemans Association [serial on the Internet]. 2012 Nov 5 [cited 2012 Nov 16]; 8 (3): [about 1p.]. Available from: http://www.cattle.ca/media/file/original/1226_action_news_11_05_12.pdf

11. Bioniche Life Sciences Incorporated. [homepage on the Internet]. [unknown location]: Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. c. 2004 [date unknown : cited 2012, Nov 23]. About Us; Management Team. Available from: http://bioniche.com/aboutus.cfm

12. Econiche Vaccine [homepage on the Internet]. [unknown location]: Bioniche Food Safety. c2009 [date unknown: cited 2012, Oct 5]. Escherichia coli O157 bacterial extract vaccine - Technical Information. Available from: http://www.econichevaccine.com/en/?page=4-8

13. Petterson R.E., Klopfenstein T.J., Moxley R.A., Erickson G.E., Hinkley S., Bretschneider G., Berberov E.M., Rogan D., Smith D.R. Effect of a Vaccine Product Containing Type III Secreted Proteins on the Probability of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Fecal Shedding and Mucosal Colonization in Feedlot Cattle. Journal of Food Protection. 2007; 70(11):2568-77.

14. Finlay Lab, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Colombia.[homepage on the Internet]. [location unknown]: Dr. B. Brett Finlay c.2006 [updated 2009, April 3: cited 2012, Oct 5]. Research Projects: E.coli. Available from: http://www.finlaylab.msl.ubc.ca/research_projects/E.coli.html

15. Potter A.A., Klashinksy S., Li Y., Frey E., Townsend H., Rogan D., Erickson G., Hinkley S., Klopfenstein T., Moxley R.A., Smith D.R., Finlay B.B. Decreased Shedding of Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 by cattle following vaccination with type II Secreted proteins. Vaccine. 2004;22:362-9.

16. Bioniche Life Sciences Incorporated. [homepage on the Internet]. [unknown location]: Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. c. 2004 [2008, Oct 30 : cited 2012, Nov 23]. Q&A re: Canadian Approval of Econiche. Available from: http://bioniche.com/pdf/e_coli_approval_q_a_10.30.08.pdf

17. Finlay B.B. A made-in-Canada solution to E. coli 0157 Outbreaks. Food Safety News [publication on the Internet] 2012, Nov 2 [cited 2012 Oct 5]. Available from: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/11/a-made-in-canada-solution-to-e-coli-0157-outbreaks/

18. Peterson R.E., Klopfenstein T.J., Moxley R.A., Erickson G.E., Hinkley S., Rogan D., Smith D.R. Efficacy of Dose Regimen and Observation of Herd Immunity from a Vaccine against Escherichia coli 0157:H7 for Feedlot Cattle. Journal of Food Protection. 2007; 70(11):2561-7.

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E. coli Vaccine

19. Smith D.R., Moxley R.A., Klopfenstein T.J., Erickson G.E. A randomized Longitudinal Trial to Test the Effect of Regional Vaccination Within Cattle Feedyard on Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Rectal Colonization, Fecal Shedding and Hide Contamination. Foodbourne Pathogens and Disease. 2009;6(7):885-92.

20. Curry B. Beef Scare resurrects talk of national E. coli vaccine for Cattle. The Globe and Mail. [publication on the Internet] 2012, Oct 4 [cited 2012 Oct 5]. Available from: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/beef-scare-resurrects-talk-of-national-e-coli-vaccine-for-cattle/article4588146/

21. Purdy, C. Scientists say cattle shots, cleaner feed and radiation would make meat safer. Global News. [publication on the Internet] 2012, Oct 2 [cited 2012 Oct 7]. Available from http://www.canada.com/health/all/coli+vaccine+cattle+market+being+widely+used/7343837/story.html

22. Johnson T. Why aren’t cattle vaccinated for E. coli in Canada? CBC News [publication on the Internet] 2012 Nov 20 [cited 2012 Oct 5]. Available from: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2012/11/20/calgary-food-for-thought-ecoli-vaccination.html

23. Canadian Beef. [homepage on the Internet]. [unknown location}: Canadian Beef Information c. 2012 [date unknown : cited 2012 Oct 7]. Beef Safety. Available from http://www.canadabeef.ca/ca/en/beef_export/safety/food_inspection.aspx

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